Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) participated together in realizing the final goal of this project, namely increasing awareness of young people to be able to prevent infectious diseases such as obesity, hypertension, chronic heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer and other diseases, through increased physical activity and proper nutrition. Universitas Sumatera Utara has developed it through seminars, workshops, summer courses, counseling and conferences. Apart from that, there are also other collaborative collaborative activities, namely guest lectures or international guest lectures, adjunct professor activities, and student visits abroad. This was also expressed by Prof. Dr. Dr. Fidel Ganis Siregar, M. Ked (OG), SpOG, Subsp. F. E. R., as legal representative and Secretary of USU.

USU's SPIRIT Coordinator is Prof. Dr. Dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M. Gizi, SpGK(K) stated that many achievements had been made during this project, involving USU students and also collaboration with other universities, especially the development of the SPIRIT Club. The SPIRIT Club form was developed with a worldwide name, namely the Global SPIRIT Club Network (GSCN), which invites all young people throughout the world to prevent infectious diseases together by increasing physical activity and proper nutrition. One of the students who participated and played an active role was Ferdian Mei Sandra from the USU Faculty of Medicine, stating his commitment to developing the GSCN.

USU Rector, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos, M.Si., expressed his support for this project and its development in the form of a SPORT SCIENCES Center which will be built at USU. This development is a manifestation of USU's support for the SPIRIT project, apart from that the USU SPIRIT Club Fitness and Gym Center has been running well with members from outside and inside USU. It is hoped that this is a manifestation of the commitment to prevent infectious diseases at both the North Sumatra and Indonesian national levels.

This year, USU received 3,029 prospective students through the SNBT pathway and 762 Indonesian Smart Card (KIPK) recipients from 61,366 applicants. The university's capacity for the academic year 2024/2025 for SNBT applicants is 3,114 seats.

"We congratulate the students who have successfully passed the UTBK SNBT 2024. This achievement opens the door for you to pursue your desired aspirations. Stay motivated and conquer every challenge you face in your education journey," expressed the Head of Public Relations, Protocol, and Promotion Office of USU, Amalia Meutia, M.Psi, Psychologist, to the media following the announcement on Thursday (Jun. 13, 2024)

Amalia explained that the highest UTBK scores at USU were achieved by the Medicine, Dentistry, and Industrial Engineering programs in the science department. Meanwhile, participants from the Accounting, Communication Science, and Law programs attained the highest scores in the social sciences department.

Furthermore, USU also ranked in the category of strictest program evaluations, with the Pharmacy and Food Analyst Program (D3) ranked 7th with a strictness percentage of 0.69%, and the Tax Administration Program (D3) ranked 20th. USU stood 14th among 20 academic state universities for the highest average UTBK scores. Meanwhile, North Sumatra Province ranked 2nd among provinces with the most KIP scholarship recipients.

USU's Public Relations Office conveyed that for all participants who did not pass the UTBK SNBT 2024, there is no need to feel disheartened or discouraged, as there are still opportunities to enter USU through two other available pathways. These include the Independent Selection Program for State Universities Consortium of Western Indonesia, better known as SMM PTN Barat, and USU's Independent Student Selection Pathway 2024. Both programs provide opportunities for high school graduates to fill the quotas provided by USU.

Registration for the Independent Selection Program for the State Universities Consortium of Western Indonesia has been open from May 4 to June 20, 2024. Information regarding registration procedures and selection execution can be accessed at https://pendaftaran.smmptnbarat.id. Meanwhile, registration for USU's Independent Student Selection Pathway will commence from June 24 to July 14, 2024; details can be found at https://seleksi.usu.ac.id.

"For new prospective students of Universitas Sumatera Utara who have been accepted through the National Selection Based on Test Scores (SNBT) in 2024, it is mandatory to register and complete the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) data online. Basic data entry and document uploads must be done online at https://registrasi.usu.ac.id from June 15 to June 22, 2024. We urge all prospective students to carefully observe every detail of the dates and stages that must be completed. Missing these deadlines may result in the cancellation of your acceptance, and all efforts and hard work so far could be in vain," concluded Amalia.

Dr. Edy Ikhsan, S.H., M.A., Vice Rector I for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of Universitas Sumatera Utara, highly appreciated Team Horas and Team Asatama. Dr. Edy Ikhsan, S.H., M.A., stated that this is a significant achievement due to the hard work of students and lecturers who continuously improve the university's achievements.

"Looking back, the university is committed to supporting Team Horas and Team Asatama as delegates of Universitas Sumatera in various competitions. They participate because it is an achievement resulting from the students' hard work," explained Dr. Edy Ikhsan, S.H., M.A.

Rahma Yurliani S.Psi., M.Psi., Director of the Directorate of Student Achievement and Alumni Relations at Universitas Sumatera Utara, expressed full confidence in Team Horas and Team Asatama and hoped that both teams could perform their best and bring honor to the university on the international stage.

"We send off these two teams with hopes of winning in international competitions. They should stay focused on what they have worked on, and their achievements have yielded results, and they have also returned with empty hands," she emphasized.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Fahmi, S.T., M.Sc., IPM, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, stated that this activity is recognized as a conversion in the program because it is part of practical work where Team Horas is a combination of programs in the Faculty of Engineering. Meanwhile, Team Asatama specifically consists of mechanical engineering students. Prof. Dr. Ir. Fahmi, S.T., M.Sc., IPM, hoped for future cross-program combinations that could form and enrich better team unity and also gave encouraging words to both teams, "sky is the limit," meaning to dare to face oneself first before looking at others.

Dr. Ir. M. Sabri MT. IPM. Asean Eng, the advisor and head of the Mechanical Engineering study program, along with Syafruddin Hasan as the advisor of Asatama, added that with this activity, it is hoped that students can continue to create because this is an ongoing activity. In the future, it is expected that there will be an improvement in fostering unity, intelligence, and excellence with the team.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that the theme of the guest lecture is very important because of Indonesia's significant impact. The Indo-Pacific Strategy is a cross-sectoral and cross-border approach to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This strategy includes enhancing partnerships with countries in the region, emphasizing the importance of international legal norms, and promoting peace and stability,” he explained.

The Rector added that a key point in this strategy is the importance of cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries, with Indonesia as a main actor. Indonesia plays a crucial role in realizing the vision of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Therefore, our activity today is important and strategic in strengthening future planning visions,” he said.

The Ambassador of Canada to Indonesia, H.E. Jess Dutton, delivered a message to strive for dreams and to keep dreaming. He also advised to study diligently and make the best use of time.

“My message to the youth, especially the students at USU, is to pursue your dreams and aspirations and continue to achieve what you aim for in the future,” he stated.

The Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association (ISNU) is an organization that accommodates scholars from Nahdlatul Ulama with a focus and concern on education. Hence, ISNU visited Universitas Sumatera Utara to discuss future cooperation.

Muhamad Suhairi Lubis S.Fil., the chairman of the PW ISNU North Sumatra Inauguration Committee, said that this collaboration will result in several activities, including the inauguration of the regional board of ISNU for the 2024-2029 term. In addition to the inauguration, ISNU will also hold a seminar with the theme "Diversity in Harmony Towards a Blessed North Sumatra."

"Rector USU is one of the expert advisors of ISNU; he is the Vice Chairman in the house. Indeed, we are visiting him for his guidance and direction for the upcoming event. This event is the inauguration of the regional board of the scholars' association for the 2024-2029 term," explained Muhamad Suhairi Lubis S.Fil.

Muhamad Suhairi Lubis S.Fil. also added that branch meetings of ISNU North Sumatra will be held to prepare for the congress in Balikpapan and Surabaya. He hopes that through these planned activities, new breakthroughs can be made for North Sumatra. Promoting educational equity to remote areas in North Sumatra is also expected to realize the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi).

"We are pleased to see USU students' interest in taking advantage of the valuable opportunity to explore great potential in the BRIN Talent Management Program and the LPDP Doctoral Scholarship," said the Director of the Directorate of Student Achievement and Alumni Relations at USU, Rahma Yurliani S.Psi., M.Psi., in her speech. A total of 250 USU students attended this socialization event.

The BRIN Talent Management Program is a concrete step in strengthening a reliable and competent human resource infrastructure in various strategic sectors. The LPDP Doctoral Scholarship not only provides talented individuals with access to pursue advanced studies but also offers financial support and leadership development, enabling recipients to make significant contributions to the nation's progress.

Rahma Yurliani S.Psi., M.Psi., hopes that through this socialization, participants, especially USU students, will gain a deeper understanding of these two programs and be motivated to actively seek and utilize the available opportunities.

"This socialization is a form of collaboration between BRIN LPDP and USU, aimed at reaching out to students to continue their education to higher levels," added the Director of the Student Achievement and Alumni Relations Directorate at USU.

As a speaker at the socialization event and a Cooperation Analyst at the National Research and Innovation Agency, Bakhtiardi Putra Siswinanda, S.Pd., stated that the BRIN LPDP Program targets four key fields in Indonesia for further exploration: Advanced University Utilization, Deep Sea Maritime, Radiation & Nuclear Technology, and Space & Aeronautics, to produce outstanding researchers in these fields.

The scholarship selection will start from June 19 to July 18, 2024, through the LPDP website, which can be accessed by students. The requirements specify that bachelor's degree graduates must be a maximum of 25 years old and master's degree graduates a maximum of 27 years old, with backgrounds in the four mentioned fields.

"The BRIN LPDP is expected to be utilized by USU students to produce skilled researchers. Currently, these four fields are needed, but it is possible that we will open up opportunities for other fields in the future," said Bakhtiar.

This public lecture aims to prepare students to be more responsive to international demands and to enhance their readiness for various academic programs. This aligns with USU's vision to become a world-class university.

In her opening remarks, USU's Vice Rector III, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., expressed her gratitude to the collaborators from the Erasmus Training Centre. This event is proof of USU's commitment to cooperation to enhance the global academic growth of students and lecturers.

"First and foremost, I extend my utmost gratitude to our collaborators at the Erasmus Training Centre. Our partnership with Erasmus symbolizes a bridge towards global academic excellence," said Prof. Poppy.

Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., also revealed that the theme of this public lecture is highly relevant to USU's tagline, "Transformation Towards the Ultimate." She emphasized that mastering academic English is a crucial foundation to realize USU's vision of becoming a world-class university.

"We hope that the insights and strategies shared today will be understood and beneficial to all participants, especially our students. May this event inspire and empower the participants to achieve better academic performance," concluded Prof. Poppy.

Philomeen H. Dol, Coordinator of the English section, Academic Language Centre (ALC), Leiden University, in this public lecture, explained the importance of mastering academic English as a tool to open opportunities and compete in global education so that USU students and lecturers can help achieve World Class University status.

"Mastery of academic English is the key to opening opportunities and competing internationally. I hope this session can provide practical insights and strategies for all of you," she said.

This public lecture is expected to be a stepping stone for USU students to be more prepared to face academic challenges at the global level and to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage.

The event was attended by 400 alumni, including fresh graduates of USU. Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt, Vice Rector III for Research, Community Service, and USU Cooperation, expressed her strong support and appreciation for the event in her remarks. Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt said that this was an effort that could be made to support USU in improving quality and competence and to make a real contribution to the development of Human Resources (HR).

"On behalf of the USU leadership, on this occasion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the BPOM for coming back and providing socialization to USU students and alumni. I appreciate this activity as an effort to support USU in improving quality and competence and to contribute to advancing education and HR development," explained Prof. Poppy in her remarks.

Drs. Martin Suhendri Sitepu, Apt., M.Farm., Head of the Medan POM Besar, expressed his gratitude to USU for welcoming him and allowing him to hold the socialization. He chose USU because USU alumni have a myriad of achievements and are considered qualified. In this activity, he also hoped to carry out several collaborations that had been outlined through the MOU, such as community service, seminars, and others.

"I am very grateful to USU. We have an MoU, hoping that it will not stop there. We hope that in the future, we can create several events. Whether it is community service around academics and some seminars, seminars, and others," said Drs. Martin.

Finally, Rahma Yurliani, S.Psi., M.Psi., Director of the Directorate of Student Achievement and Alumni Relations, Universitas Sumatera Utara, said that this was a great opportunity, and the main breakthrough in this activity was improving student achievement, especially for alumni who have just graduated and can immediately be absorbed by the company.

In his address, Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution S.Sos., M.S.P., reminded the participants of their duties and responsibilities and conveyed the objectives for the university's development. This was intended to ensure a clear understanding of what needs to be done and achieved through the directives provided by each bureau and directorate.

"First, I want to remind everyone of their main duties and functions in carrying out activities. Secondly, I will outline the objectives we must achieve. Each directorate head and director already has specific duties outlined by their respective bureaus down to their staff. The purpose? To ensure clear direction regarding what you will do," said Vice Rector II.

Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., M.S.P., stated that the students' achievements at the university have been relatively good, posing a challenge to maintain and improve these achievements for better outcomes for the university. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between bureaus and directorates to achieve the university's main performance indicators (IKU).

"Currently, the achievements are very good, relatively good, but we must continue to improve performance for better outcomes. This depends on your ability to work according to the targets for performance improvement. Regarding the objectives to be achieved, they are the eight Main Performance Indicators," continued Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution S.Sos., M.SP., in his speech.

Lastly, Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution S.Sos., M.S.P., expressed his hope that this morning's assembly would inspire everyone to work hard, work smart, and innovate to achieve the set targets needed for the university's improvement.

In his speech, USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si. conveyed the theme of this year's commemoration, namely “Pancasila, the Unifying Spirit of the Nation Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.” This theme implies that Pancasila unifies people by facing differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, and language to achieve the vision of an advanced, independent, and sovereign Golden Indonesia.

The USU Rector also invited the academic community to jointly internalize Pancasila's values in every aspect of life, society, nation, and state.

Vice Rector III of USU, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt. explained that Pancasila is the basis of the state. As a philosophy, it is a unifying tool for the nation that must be applied in everyday life, especially by the USU academic community.

Vice Rector III said that until now, the USU academic community has understood and applied the values of Pancasila well.

“Pancasila is the foundation of our state and philosophy, so it is one of the unifying tools of the nation and, of course, in responding to it,” said Vice Rector III USU.

The Secretary of USU, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Fidel Ganis Siregar, M.Ked(OG), Sp.O.G, Subsp.F.E.R also emphasized that Pancasila has been proven to be the only tool to unite the nation and make it great. He emphasized that the entire academic community of the Universitas Sumatera Utara has the spirit of Pancasila and will implement it in every ceremony commemorating the birth of Pancasila.

“Of course, all of us, the academic community of the Universitas Sumatera Utara, certainly have the spirit of Pancasila and will carry out all the meanings contained in every ceremony that we do in commemorating the birthday of Pancasila,” concluded Prof. Fidel.